RestaurantChains.net Alerts Newsletter
August 16, 2006
Data reflects change and activity during the most recent four-month period from: 04/12/06 to 08/12/06
in this issue
* Emerging concept
* Continually emerging concept
* Still growing
* New concept opening
* Units decreased
* Free Demonstrations
Emerging concept
Dallas, TX-based GENGHIS GRILL , a
unique Mongolian stir-fry concept with full bar
service, has opened two units over the period,
expanding from 9 to 11 locations (22% growth),
with a total of four opened in 2006 (36% growth
since 2005) so far. The concept is to allow
customers to build their own bowl of ingredients and seasonings,
and then watch as their meal is prepared on a
large grill. Future locations are planned in
Davenport, IA and Hurst TX, with two more franchised
locations planned in Kansas City, MO and San
Antonio, TX. Per person check averages are below
$20 and stores are located in CO, IA, IL, MI, MN, TN
and TX. Between 60 and 70% of locations are
franchised
Continually emerging concept
Wheat Ridge, CO-based QDOBA MEXICAN
GRILL has increased 18 units over the period, from 277
to 295 now open. The chain has opened its first
locations in the state of WY and in Washington, DC.
Founded in 1995, this fast casual Mexican concept
seats about 80, with a check average of $4-10 per
person. The restaurants are also located in the
states of AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID,
IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND,
NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA,
WA, WI, and WV. The parent company is the publicly
traded Jack in the Box Inc (NYSE: JBX).
Still growing
Tampa, FL based MELTING POT (opening its
first location in 1975) has opened seven more fondue
units this period. There are currently 108 upscale
locations with a check average of nearly $40 per
person. Locations average 200 seats. Locations are
in AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, MA,
KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OH,
OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA and WI. There
are near term plans to open new locations in AL and
NY.
RAVING BRANDS of Atlanta, GA is still
growing. During the period the company has grown by
20 units for the Moe’s Southwest Grill concept. They
have expanded into three new states, DC, MN and WV. The
company also grew eight units for their Shanes BBQ
concept. In addition, they have a new concept
called The Flying Biscuit Café that currently has two operating
units. Current concept totals are: Bonehead's (4),
Doc Green's (7), Mama Fu's (24), Moe's Southwest
Grill (323), Monkey Joe's (1), Pj's Coffee & Tea
(46), Planet Smoothie (124), Shane's Rib Shack (26),
and The Flying Biscuit (2). Trading states are: AL,
AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA,
MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC,
TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, and WV.
New concept opening
DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE, with one
location in Boston and another in Philadelphia, has
opened a new Mediterranean concept called Avila
Modern Mediterranean for a total of three units in
operation. The new upscale concept is located in
Boston and offers both catering and private parties.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with a
check average of $15-50 plus per person.
Units decreased
GASTRONOMY INC, a Salt Lake City, UT-based
multi-concept restaurant operator, has closed its
Baci Trattoria concept and sold off Café Pierpont to
Latitude Restaurant Group, also located in UT. The
company currently operates six other upscale
concepts: Market Street Broiler (1), Market Street
Grill (2), Market Street Oyster Bar (2), and New
Yorker (1), all located in UT.
CINDY HUTSON CONCEPTS, of Coral Gables, FL
has closed their Las Vegas location of Ortanique.
The company closed two locations in the prior period
as well. There are two units now open: Copra of
Baltimore, MD and Ortanique of Coral Gables, FL.
The restaurants are upscale and seat around 150.
Check averages are between $10 and $30 plus per person.
WILLY'S MEXICANA GRILL of Atlanta, GA has
closed two locations. This fast casual Mexican food
chain founded in 1995 average 60 seats and serve
beer and wine. Most locations serve lunch and
dinner but some serve breakfast as well. Per person
check average is below $8. There are now 15 company
owned locations open in the Atlanta, GA area.
Free Demonstrations
We offer complete one on one demonstrations
of the RestaurantChains.net directory for companies
and individuals who want to explore our data further.
You will be able to see where we get our information
and how we perform our process. Please contact me
directly: 914-591-4297 or email keith@restaurantchains.net
to set up a personal
demo.
Keith Gellman
Restaurantchains.net
1 Bridge St
Irvington on Hudson, NY 10533
1-914-591-4297
http://restaurantchains.blogspot.com
